Mr Hamman had the pitch built in 1994 after he went on a road trip from his Sydney home in search of a property large enough to host a full-size cricket ground.

In his younger years he dreamed of playing for Australia but lamented that conscription to serve in the Vietnam War "killed my cricket career".

It wasn't until decades later, and after a career as a barrister, that Mr Hamman could afford to follow his passion and build his pitch.

Modelled on the MCG

A hand-painted sign and a pair of pads and box marks the entrance to the property in Mandalong.

Visitors have to drive along a rocky dirt track lined with native trees and cross a rickety narrow bridge over a creek before catching a glimpse at the expansive field.

It cost $150,000 to excavate the ground — there is underground drainage and pipes for a hose connection — and the pitch surface had to be tilted slightly to reduce flooding, which can happen often in this part of the Central Coast.

International cricket

The first game at the 'MCG' was held in 1995 and it has since been used almost every week and most weekends for club cricket.

First grade and Test cricketers like Phil Hughes, Mitchell Starc and Danny Morrison have played there, as well as former Australian captain Michael Clarke, who Mr Hamman said hired the pitch for some private practice ahead of the Ashes one year.

He's also hosted numerous overseas clubs, including the first international competition game played last week in the Over-50s Cricket World Cup between Wales and Australia.